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See you later, alligator

A silly way of saying “goodbye,” when you or someone else is leaving. It commands a response... “After while, crocodile.”

Originating in the 1950s, the correct response to “See you later, alligator!” is “After while, crocodile!” It is NOT “In a while, crocodile,” or even “After a while, crocodile.” As with most phrases and expressions, accuracy often gets lost through the years, like a giant game of telephone, so nowadays you will hear it said all three ways, but there is an original, correct way. “AFTER WHILE, crocodile!” :)

*Listen to the song, “See You Later, Alligator,” by Bill Haley and the Comets, for reference.
Bob: “See you later, alligator!”
Jane: “After while, crocodile!”

See you later, alligator! 

„See you later, alligator!“ similar to „See ya!“ is commonly used by single introverts without friends, without a life, without a job and conservative rednecks.
Please never use this.
guy 1: see you later, alligator!
guy 2: shut the fuck up, peasant

See you later alligator 

It is one of the informal ways of saying goodbye to someone. Apparently, this phrase has been derived from a 50's pop song. The person to whom this phrase is being said, says- 'In a while crocodile!'
Mark: See you later alligator!
Janet: In a while crocodile!

see you later alligator 

Used when saying good-bye.
You: See you later alligator!
Friend: After a while crocodile!

see you later alligator shoes 

crocs. That’s it. They’re crocs.
shia LaBeouf could star in these see you later alligator shoes

Eternity leave 

When some resigns or retires from a job, they are on "eternity leave". This can also refer to someone who has passed away, especially someone who worked somewhere for a long time, retired/resigned, then passed away later.
Oh I'm sorry, you didn't know that Kelly is on eternity leave? She resigned and moved to Hawaii!

With regrets I would like to inform you that my boss is officially on eternity leave. I will never see or hear them again. Ever.
Eternity leave by LingDanc803 February 7, 2023
Word of the Day on July 23, 2026